BlackRapid SnapR 20 Camera Bag and Sling Strap Review

Features
Handling and Performance
Verdict
Specification



The BlackRapid SnapR 20 is a camera bag and sling strap - the camera can be quickly removed from the bag, and with a gliding strap system you can use the camera without risking dropping it.

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Features

The SnapR 20 fits most point and shoot cameras up to 5.25 x 3.25 x 2 inches, the example shown by BlackRapid is the Canon Powershot G12, but I used the bag with the Sigma DP2x, and Olympus PEN E-P3 with pancake lens, and any camera this size or smaller should fit. For larger cameras, like the Olympus PEN series with zoom lens, BlackRapid produce the SnapR 35.

3 in 1 bag + sling strap + hand strap

The clever thing about the SnapR system is that the connector for the camera screws into the cameras tripod socket for a really firm grip, then this can clip into the hand strap, or it can clip onto the shoulder strap, and then the shoulder strap can either be used on its own with the camera, or alternatively clip the shoulder strap to the bag.



Use all 3 together or independently, the camera glides from bag to shooting position, and there's no worry of dropping or forgetting camera.

The bag features two padded outer pockets, suitable for anything the size of an iPhone, ultra compact digital camera, memory cards, or spare batteries etc. There is one large inner compartment for the camera, this is partially padded - soft for the top of the camera (the camera goes in upside down), and the left and right hand sides of the camera. The front back and bottom of the camera sides are not soft / padded.



The bottom of the bag features a rubberised texture to stop the camera bag sliding around on desks or other surfaces, and gives the bag a low center of gravity, meaning that the bag is happy to stay upright.

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Handling and Performance

The side pockets can fit mobile phones, ultra compact cameras, or any other accessories you may want to take with you, such as batteries, memory cards, or cables. The system takes a while to get used to, and the instructions aren't the most obvious to understand, but once you get used to it, the bag / quick access strap system is really very clever, and useful. It's great to be able to get your camera out of the bag without worrying about dropping it. The bag does make relatively compact (almost pocketable) cameras seem quite large, and it would be nice if BlackRapid offered an even more compact version for the more compact cameras that are now available, such as the Panasonic Lumix LX5, and Panasonic Lumix GF2. I would be happy to do without the side pockets, and instead have interior padded slip pockets for memory cards and small batteries.

Value for Money

The Black Rapid SnapR 20 is available for around £40 - this is quite good value for money as it provides the quick access strap system, a wrist strap and bag. Normally a DSLR Black Rapid Strap system on it's own would be around £50. The Black Rapid SnapR 20 offers something unique in that it holds your camera securely, which could save you much more money if you are prone to dropping things! Other bags are available with shoulder straps however they don't offer the speed of access and versatility of this bag and strap system.

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Verdict

Quality is very good and the speed of access is really delivered. The only concern I had was that the interior material inside the bag was not cushioned or soft, which could cause some concern for the protection offered to the camera's screen (a screen protector is therefore recommended). The SnapR 20 gives you a camera case, as well as a shoulder strap and wrist strap which can be used individually or together, making this an extremely versatile system, with high quality materials used. The SnapR 20 is great value for money considering you are getting a number of different products that all work together, and are designed to ensure you don't drop your expensive camera or lens!

The BlackRapid SnapR 20 offers great value for money and three great solutions to protect your camera.

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Pros:

Quick access
Can be used with or without the bag
Shoulder strap, wrist strap and bag
Excellent tripod connection - very secure
Good value for money

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Cons:

Instructions could be better
Little padding or soft texture for the camera screen

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Visit BlackRapid's website for more information.

BlackRapid SnapR 20 Specifications

Bag type
	Style	Compact Case
	Material	Ballistic Nylon
Dimensions
	Weight	180g
	Width	133mm
	Height	82.5mm
	Depth	50.8mm

View Full Product Details